Now where does such a mentality get us in life? Well.. It makes us doubtful. It helps us create guards. In fact, cynism makes us so well protected and introverted that we believe that nothing and no one can touch us, because we occasionally just have THAT little faith in human intentions. As Oscar Wilde once said, 'the cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.'
It has taken me awhile to realize this, but being overly cynical is far from healthy.
It's a human trait to think too much, especially when you're faced with a situation where you know you will be left with an outcome that you may not be able to control. In fact, being out of control is pretty bloody terrifying for most of us, because humans are afraid of change. Nobody likes not knowing, especially when there is a potential for us to get shattered beyond our beliefs. So how do we respond? We build walls that are absolutely unbreakable. We convince ourselves that we are untouchable because we don't believe that humans could be that nice or sweet. In fact, maybe some of us have developed our cynical streaks because of the hurt we went through in the past. Going through our daily routines with an iron-strong mask then becomes a way of life.
So here is what really happens. We fixate on every potentially negative outcome, and so we do not enjoy the moment as much as we should. By questioning too much, we forget to live right here and right now.
It isn't easy, being in love with the present moment. In fact, learning to think like this is extremely difficult. But I have realized that by continuing to be cynical, I impede myself from achieving the best and truly being happy because I'm so darn afraid and negative. I know that this applies to a great majority of the population out there as well. Perhaps what's even more saddening is that there are so many less fortunate people who look at us and think: 'Those people are so lucky. They have legs, they have arms, they have potential. I wish I was them.' If they were in our shoes, I doubt they would be doing as much questioning as we do. They would probably forgo all the pessimism and just be happy.
So 2013 is the year for the cynics to stop being so cynical. Life does not have it in for us. Life owes us absolutely nothing. Carpe that cynical diem. Sometimes guards are completely necessary, but know when to shut them off. We need to stop being afraid, and embrace the fact that no matter what, we will be okay.
We have so much to be happy about, so turn off that negativity and smile! :-)
